Reading & Salon Nov '18
Reserve your space
WORKSHOPS
We have no current workshops scheduled, but we are available for private coaching. Email us your interest in a future workshop or in coaching, and we will get back to you
ABOUT THE MT. WASHINGTON WRITERS' WORKSHOP
To paraphrase Peter Elbow, writers are in the dark as to the effect of their work. They put words on a page, but usually have little sense of what those words do to others. The Mt. Washington Writer’s Workshop seeks to remedy this, by reflecting for writers the effect of their work on others and based on that, suggesting opportunities for development. Activities include workshopping, reading and discussing published stories and essays, discussing craft, and short exercises.
Advanced Workshop
The Workshop's philosophy is to encourage a writer's unique voice and material, paired with an in-depth study of technique. Current members are working on diverse material, including literary non-fiction, short stories, and novels. Activities for most classes include workshopping, analysis of published works, discussion, exercises when we have time, and completing works for submission. Class size is always limited to 8, so members will have a chance to workshop their material at least twice during the session and probably more. Private mentoring is also available.
Saturday Morning Drop-In Writing
Appropriate for writers from beginning to advanced, the Saturday Morning Drop-Ins are a time to discover new material from writing prompts, flex craft muscles, and listen to your unique voice, in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Occasional visits from guest writers. No critique.
My Philosophy as a Teacher
We all wear blinders when it comes to reading the writing of others, based on our experience and preferences. Therefore, I work hard in my classes to understand the true intent of the work and what elements of technique might uncover them rather than impose prescriptions or make judgements. At the same time, a firm understanding of technique helps everyone. Right now we are reading essays on the art of writing from Graywolf Press and finding them tremendously useful. In my workshopping technique, we begin with a clear, honest reflection of a writer's material, and based on that, suggestions for development. The most important encouragement I can give a writer, though, is to find their material; to write about what is at the heart of them.
Read What Workshop Members Say
"Judith Dancoff leads as a true writing guide, a guru, who gets the importance of listening to her workshop writers, identifying and understanding their writing challenges, and finding ways to delve into making the difficult seem possible."
- Sakae Manning, 2017 Writer-in-Residence
Annenberg Community Beach House
Workshop Member
"Judith is a unique and remarkable creative writing teacher. Many teachers teach to a carbon copy and want to change your storyline and characters---Not Judith. She helps struggling writers to develop their own creative voice, and teaches how to develop the story arc, the tension, and the characters. She coaches to individual needs and that is what makes her workshop so special."
- Diane Becerra
Workshop Member
PRICE AND LOCATION
The price of the Advanced Workshop is $325, payable in whole or in 2 payments. Saturday Morning Drop-In Writing is $25 per Saturday.
Mt. Washington is in the Highland Park area of Northeast Los Angeles, about 10 minutes north of Downtown LA, south of Pasadena, or east of Silverlake. It is just off the Ave 43 exit of the 110 freeway and close to the 5 and 2 freeways. The Southwest Museum stop of the Goldline is a short walk from my house. When you reserve your space, I will send you the exact address.
DEPOSIT/RESERVATION/CONTACT
A $50 deposit will hold your space in the Advanced Workshop. No deposit is required for Saturday Morning Drop-Ins, but reserve your spot at least 24-48 hrs in advance of the Saturday you plan to attend. Feel free to email me with any questions, no matter how small. Students interested in the Advanced workshop will be asked to submit 5-10 pages of current writing.